Genetic Test
The EDA (Ectodysplasin A) gene encodes a protein that plays a critical role in cell-to-cell signaling during the development of ectodermal structures.
These structures include skin, hair, teeth, nails, and certain glands, which all originate from the embryonic ectoderm layer.
EDA-mediated signaling is essential for the normal formation and differentiation of these tissues during embryogenesis.
Mutations in the EDA gene can disrupt this signaling pathway, leading to congenital ectodermal dysplasia, a disorder marked by abnormalities in hair, teeth, and sweat glands.
This genetic test targets two known EDA mutations associated with ectodermal dysplasia.
Disease Description
Congenital ectodermal dysplasia is a hereditary disorder caused by genetic mutations that disrupt normal ectodermal development during fetal growth.
It is characterized by the abnormal formation of teeth, sweat glands, and hair, which may be missing, underdeveloped, or functionally impaired.
Dogs affected by this condition are often more susceptible to infectious diseases due to compromised skin and glandular barriers, which normally help protect against pathogens.
